Kirk Ferentz's Iowa lands commitment from four-star DE Iose Epenesa to the class of 2025

Iose Epenesa, the four-star defensive lineman from Edwardsville, Illinois, announced his commitment to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Thursday. The 6-foot-3 defenseman chose the Hawkeyes over other programs such as Utah, Miami, Missouri and Penn State.

Epenesa announced his commitment by FaceTiming Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz. The Epenesa family has ties with Iowa. Iose's father, Eppy Epenesa played for the Hawkeyes whereas his older brother, AJ Epenesa, is an Iowa alum and plays for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. Iose’s middle brother Eric Epenesa is a linebacker for the Hawkeyes.

Eppy spoke about the Hawkeyes before his son announced his intention to join the program.

"We’ve been praying for this day for a long time," Eppy told On3. "I’m just glad he ended up where he wanted to be and we’re going to go with it and we’re going to keep praying he can have a good career and good journey up at Iowa."

The four-star defensive lineman is ranked No. 35 in the country and is the third-best player at his position from the class of 2025, as per On3 Industry Rankings. He is also the best overall prospect from the state of Illinois.

Iose Epenesa becomes Iowa's third defensive lineman commit from the class of 2025

The Iowa Hawkeyes' class of 2025 is ranked No. 50 in the country, as per 247Sports. However, they just made a splash on Thursday by landing one of the best high school defensive linemen in the country in Epenesa.

The 6-foot-3 defenseman chose Ferentz's Iowa over other schools such as Miami, Utah, Penn State and Missouri. He also became the Hawkeyes' third defensive lineman commit from the class of 2025, after three-star Joey VanWetzinga and three-star Brad Fitzgibbon.

Epenesa is ranked No.16 nationally and is the third-best player at his position, as per 247Sports. He is also the best player from his home state of Illinois. The On3 Industry Rankings has Epenesa as the 35th-best overall prospect. As a junior, the four-star recruit recorded 31 tackles (eight for loss) and six sacks.

The Hawkeyes have already landed 14 commitments and have extended 98 offers to some of the best high school players in the country. Their class of 2024 was also ranked No. 50. They finished the 2023-24 season with a record of 10-4 and 7-2 in the Big Ten Conference.